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Performing after a couple beers

I'm happy to see at least some posters who understand the problem that is alcohol. In my opinion, alcohol is never the solution to ANY problem, but often the CAUSE. Yes, there are probably people who can handle it, but for the most part, after you've had your second beer, stay the hell away from me.
-hey bro i,m with u u ts the people, ,,they can't handle it,,,,,,C.Pearson -4 string master of Disaster -✴❌
 
This is sort of like saying that you're using a gun to shoot your toes off, and you're wondering if it's better to saw a finger or two off so you don't notice the pain from your toes.

I would suggest re-evaluating your entire anxiety issue. The bandaids of medication and alcohol are nothing but bandaids and either/both will ultimately cause your downfall. Please go talk to a different medical professional and/or get some different counseling.

Tom
 
I'm going to be the didn't-read-all-10-pages-of-thread guy, so others have probably said this, but...

You're worried about getting addicted to your prescription meds, so you're thinking instead of using them, to self-medicate with ALCOHOL?

:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

Let's just think about that, shall we?

EDIT: by the way, I usually do have a beer or two at a gig. Nothing to do with nerves or to relax or any of that BS. I just happen to like beer. I'm the type that will nurse that one beer all night. There's nothing wrong with having a drink if you happen to like it. There's everything wrong with using alcohol as a way to solve a problem.
 
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At both rehearsals and gigs, my band mates and I usually begin with a shot of bourbon at the start, and then nurse a couple of beers each over the course of three plus hours (I also usually go through several large glasses of ice water). I can't say as this intake has impaired any of us in any way, and getting wasted at a gig is a big no-no (we worked with a sound guy once who got plastered during a gig, and that was the last time we worked with him).

As to the OP's issues with anxiety, I can't help but think that self-medicating with alcohol is a monumentally bad idea.
 
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A caveat: unlike the OP, I have never had stage fright or anxiety about performing.

I never drink before or during a performance, as my band was/is a bit on the technically demanding side and I didn't want to introduce any additional difficulty to the set.
At rehearsal, one or two during is fine. After, however... depends on how long until I had to be somewhere.
I enjoy having a beer or two or three when it's not in front of paying customers.
 
Reminds me of my old boss who loved to deep sea fish but suffered terrible sea-sickness. He would go out fishing on chartered fishing trips and spent most of the time sick even though he took medication for it. I asked him why went if he knew he was going to get sick for most of it. He said he went because he loved it so much. You must love it that much if you still want to perform knowing you might have an attack.
 
I think alcohol is basically what's wrong with our world. Most can't do it in moderation. Ruins families, relationships, etc. it's socially accepted and many don't see it as a problem. It's a huge problem.
I couldn't agree more. I've been straight edge for some years now and the idea of not being unimpaired, sharp, fully aware and in full charge of my faculties is repugnant to me.
 
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I enjoy having a few beers pretty much whenever I have the opportunity, I like beer and hanging with friends.
What I worry about with the OP's issue is using alcohol as a coping mechanism. I'm also worried about you skipping meds.
That is a big red flag and I'd avoid it at all costs.
When I was younger I suffered from some very serious depression. Drinking made it worse. I quit drinking for a few years and addressed those issues. Now when I have a few drinks with friends I enjoy myself. I know anxiety is hard to deal with, but alcohol is not the answer.
 
As a bar band, we get hired to sell alcohol. We usually slam shots with the patrons between sets to help boost sales. I think playing is way more fun when you get a good buzz going.
I used to play/perform buzzed all the time and thought so too but even after playing sober for just a short time I realized that's just not true. I have never enjoyed music so much!!
 
Self-medicating is a slippery slope IMO. It is just too easy too to find excuses to medicate. You mention fearing addiction with Xanax. It seems that you may be trading one drug for another and alcohol is a dangerous one to exchange to. I stuggled with alcohol because I used it to fall asleep. I suffer from insomnia. You mention tolerance with other meds, it may be an issue with alcohol in the long run. My friend suffers from the same thing but uses medications prescribed to manage it. Best of luck
 
Back around 25 years ago, I would regularly perform after about five or six pints, no problem. One summer, we had an entire carton of Xanax samples that someone boosted from a doctor's office, so that went into the mix as well. I don't recommend that lifestyle at all. No good came of it and 99% of my mental problems went away as soon as I finally quit drinking.
 
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